Thank you Obama

After Obama took office he decided to lessen restrictions on travel to Cuba, one of the policy adjustments meant to help thaw icy relations between the two countries. The Bush administration had only permitted Cuban Americans to travel to Cuba once every three years, but new regulations give not only Cuban Americans but anyone with relatives in Cuba permission to travel there once every year. That means with In-laws on the island I can go LEGALLY.

I plan to visit Cuba next month for ten days. I’ll be traveling with infant daughter sans husband (he is unable to return legally at the present time.) I fly from New York to Miami and then on to Havana. I could have flown directly from JFK airport but it would have cost an arm and a leg more. I think the Cuban lobbyists down in Miami are to thank for such great travel deals from the Florida region. Even if JFK flights were cheaper they only fly on Sunday. Miami to Havana flights run everyday – much more convenient.

Overall, I am super excited for this trip. I’ve never been to Havana and am looking forward to some sunshine, Hemingway, and a mojito (or two.) However, I do have a couple of worries, which include

Luggage - I’ll most likely be lugging around a huge backpack and suitcase full of shoes and vitamins (to be explained later.) I’m a little worried about how I’ll manage two bags and baby in stroller at the airport. Hopefully I’ll find a skycap to help navigate our way from one side of the airport to the other when I transfer in Miami. Plus, the check-in time for the Havana flight is long, about three hours. I was told that I’d have to stand in three different lines before the check-in process is complete. Not too sure how baby will hold out during this process. Most likely not too well.
 
Language- I’m also worried about meeting the In-laws, who I know will be fabulous people but cannot speak a lick of English. The last time I formally studied Spanish was in 5th grade, so I’m not too confident in my Spanish skills. If hubby was there we’d have an interpreter, but alas! I’ll be alone. Perhaps we’ll need to pull out a bottle of rum to get the conversation flowing
 
Anyways, I’m sure once I get to Havana and settle in things will go great. I’m just thankful that I’ll finally get to meet the Torres family, of which I am now officially a part of!